A media townhall meeting focused on human rights, the Police Act 2020, and its regulations convened today, bringing together journalists, stakeholders, and civil society representatives. Organized by the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), the event aimed to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s security governance framework. It was supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).
In a statement delivered by Holly Mohanye on behalf of Ms. ’Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of PWAN, the initiative was described as part of the organization’s efforts to improve security governance and enhance citizens’ participation in Nigeria and West Africa. Through its core programs on the Rule of Law, Citizens Security, and CSO strengthening, PWAN continues to promote transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement agencies and the public.
The townhall meeting is an integral component of the broader project titled Enhancing Police Governance: Deepening Understanding of the Police Act 2020 and Regulations Across Nigeria. This project is being implemented in key states, including Kano, Plateau, Borno, Edo, Lagos, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory, to address critical gaps in the application of the Police Act 2020 within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
According to the statement, the Act represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s security reforms, shaping the dynamics of police-citizen interactions while prioritizing human rights. The townhall aimed to educate media practitioners and the public on the Act’s provisions and the media’s critical role in fostering responsible and rights-based reporting. Discussions emphasized reporting on sensitive issues such as arrests, stop-and-search operations, and profiling, all while contributing to a culture of accountability within law enforcement.
The meeting focused on unpacking the Act’s critical provisions, exploring the media’s role in advancing informed reporting, and identifying strategies to bridge gaps in understanding and implementation of the Act across the country.
The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the success of these reforms. Participants were encouraged to actively engage and share their perspectives, with the overarching goal of empowering communities and law enforcement to foster mutual respect and accountability.
PWAN expressed gratitude to the UK Integrated Security Fund for its support of this project, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening police governance and promoting human rights in Nigeria.
As the townhall concluded, participants voiced optimism that the knowledge shared would pave the way for a more informed and cooperative relationship between the police, the media, and the public.
